The Huron Carol

A favorite Canadian Christmas carol honors the native peoples of North America and how they came to celebrate Jesus' birth, beginning in the 1600s. Wallace's (Boy of the Deeps ) graceful watercolor naturescapes depict the infant king wrapped in a "ragged robe of rabbit skin" and born of Huron parents visited by "chiefs from far" bearing gifts of "fox and beaver pelt." Though some Christians may balk at the details here, the reverence for the significance of this joyous holiday shines through. This thoughtful volume closes with a historic note about the Hurons, the original tune (composed by a Jesuit missionary) and a verse in English, French and Huron. Ages 4-up. (Sept.)